There are some inconsistencies in the eBay description...They state that the display resolution is 320x480 and that it uses the HX8352-A TFT controller.The HX8352-A only supports up to 240x480 resolutions (according to the datasheet)...

UTFT only supports 320x480 (or 480x320) with the ILI9481 controller.If you are unable to make it work using either model code "CTE32HR" or "ILI9481" (they are the same), you will have to add a separate TFT driver for it...

This is the same 40 pins connector as many others displays. I believe your display uses SSD1289 controller. You can probably use this shield to link the Arduino mega and the display: http://www.sainsmart.com/arduino-compatibles-1/lcd-module/sainsmart-tft-lcd-adjustable-shield-for-arduino-mega-2560-r3-1280-a082-plug.html

I can't view the item on that ebay link. But the name of his display is TFT320, so I suppose this is 320x240 not 480x320, else the name would have been TFT480 or something...

I agree that the name suggests a 320x240 display but the auction title is "1PC New 3.2" 320x480 TFT LCD Module Display + Touch Panel + PCB Adapter", and they also mention twice more in the description that the resolution is 320x480. But they also say that the controller chip is a HX8352-A and that controller does not support anything larger than 240x480 so it is really anybodys guess.

Without proper documentation or example code it is impossible to say what this actually is. My guess would be that the eBay vendor does not know what the heck they are selling.

This has given me a fresh path to go on with and hopefully i can come back with some good news.

I actually think this is quite funny... of all the 3.2" displays I had to choose from, I picked the one with little to no documentation. go figure...

I would much prefer to NOT use a shield as the arduino will be used for other things and as such will need a custom built shield but I there is no other way then I will get one. Thats why I chose this display because all the (obviously bad) research suggested that it could be run directly off of the mega...

I think I will go and get myself a "matched" display/shield combo and work from there.

Thanks everyone for your advice... im putting this display aside until I can eliminate the possibility that it is blown. Since I can only do that with another display I may as well get a shield to match it at the same time.